In the aftermath of the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists, Indian security forces have ramped up operations to dismantle terrorist networks operating in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which targeted Hindu tourists and was later claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has led to a series of intense crackdowns on militants in the region.
Demolition of Terrorists' Residences in Tral
As part of the ongoing search operations in Kashmir's Tral area, the residences of two terrorists were demolished. One of them, Asif Sheikh, is affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, while the other, Adil Hussain Thokar, is linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Thokar is believed to have been directly involved in orchestrating the deadly attack in Pahalgam. According to the Jammu and Kashmir police, the attack was planned by a group of terrorists, including members of both LeT and JeM, with the aim of disrupting peace and targeting tourists.
Terrorists Identified and Sketches Released
The Jammu and Kashmir police have identified four terrorists believed to be involved in the attack. The individuals include Ali Bhai alias Talha, Asif Fauji, Adil Hussain Thoker, and Ahsan. Based on testimonies from survivors, the police have also released sketches of the suspects. These individuals are suspected of carrying out the assault on tourists in the Baisaran meadows near Pahalgam. The attack, which occurred at around 2:30 PM, saw the assailants dressed as Indian Army personnel, demanding that victims identify their religion before opening fire.
Suspects Linked to TRF and Lashkar-e-Taiba
The investigation has revealed links between the suspects and The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The three terrorists believed to have carried out the attack used specific code names – Moosa, Yunus, and Asif – to communicate and conceal their identities. These militants, also involved in terror activities in Poonch, have a history of executing strikes across Kashmir. The attack on Pahalgam is thought to have been masterminded by Saifullah Sajid Jutt, a top LeT commander operating from Islamabad. Jutt is described by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as a "hardcore terrorist" with strong ties to the Pakistani military intelligence agency, ISI.
Ongoing Investigations and International Attention
In addition to the identification of suspects, a photograph of one of the terrorists carrying an AK-47 has surfaced, which aligns with descriptions provided by survivors. As the investigation continues, security agencies are examining the involvement of overground workers who have assisted Pakistani terrorists in infiltrating the region and facilitating their movement across districts in Kashmir.
Pakistani media outlets have extensively covered the Pahalgam attack, drawing attention to the militant activity in the region and the involvement of Pakistan-based groups. The focus of Indian security forces remains on dismantling the terrorist networks operating from across the border and preventing further acts of violence in the region.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)